[Arien]

Acacia agreed to meet Jurex in this particular Inn while he went to meet Jythralo at his biding. Her fingers softly clasped the glass mug as she lent back on her chair. She sat in a dark corner of the Inn; so she could see everyone and not everyone could see her. Her tinted, manicured nails tapped on the glass as she eyed the group of men over at the bar. They were Gondorian seafarers, physically strong, smart and full of themselves. Acacia watched as they laughed at various customers around the bar, she rolled her eyes, clearly they were drunk and enjoying it. They better enjoy it now, it won’t be long…… she snorted as she took a drink from her glass and the rested it softly down on the table.

She looked up again to see that they were now looking at her. She wished that Jurex would hurry up; she could not bare the thought of having to speak to them. Acacia watched quietly as they as one was pushed in her direction. He stumbled toward her slowly, with a mischievous grin on his face. Acacia took another drink and looked in the other direction as he sat down beside her. She felt his rough hand on her chin as he turned her head round to face him.

His dirty black hair fell to his shoulders, and he wore the usual garb of a Gondorian sailor. He was handsome, his face was lightly tanned and stubble covered his chin and cheeks.

“Hello,” he said slowly, breathing the stench of stale rum onto her face. Acacia decided not to reply. She knew it would not help to ignore him, but while she was waiting she could have a little fun. “What a pretty thing like you doing her with this sort of riff raff…alone.” He added outing his left arm around her and pulling her close.

“Riff raff like you, is that what you mean?” She said slyly.

“Like me?” He laughed, “No I am one of Gondors finest, I am. I mean these Corsairs.” He commented pointing to a few dotted around the bar.

“Oh them?” She laughed and then stopped abruptly, “I am one of them…” Her icy voice replied. He pulled away for a moment in apparent shock and then smiled.

“Well,” he said clearing his throat, “your kind is only good for one thing….” His hand grabbed her wrist and he pulled her up. Acacia made no attempt to struggle. She had seen the figure enter the Inn a couple of minutes ago and it was now watching carefully. The figure stepped forward towards the two and laid a heavy hand upon the Gondorians shoulder. His other friends rose from their seats as Jurex turned him around. But they backed down when the man shook his head.

“Acacia are you ready to go?” he said, ignoring the Gondorian he was holding onto.

“Yes quite,” she replied pulling her wrist from his grip and smoothing out the creases in her skirt. “Let us go, I do not desire to spend anymore of my valuble time with this ort of riff raff.” Jurex released his grip on the man and headed for the door. Acacia took on last look at the man and whispered in his ear, then kissed him sweetly on the lips. And then she was gone, out into the midday bustle. The three managed to make their way to a ally short cut that would lead them into the centre of the city. Of course it was deserted. Too dangerous to use these ally's especially with corsairs around.

“You took your time…” She said as they walked slowly through the winding back roads, the soft ocean breeze blowing past their forms.

“Not too long, although you seemed to have it all under control. Especially being a council member.” He replied gazing ahead down the dank street. Gulls called in the mid day air and she could taste salt in her mouth.

Acacia sighed, “They were too drunk to notice I was anything beyond a female. Hmmm… and what did Jythralo say?” She questioned lightly.

“To kidnap the boy,” Jurex said carelessly, but she could hear a slight tone of joy in his voice. Acacia’s eyes widened as they continued to walk and a smile started to play upon her face. “We are to take him to one of the smaller frigates in the harbour.”

“Then it must not be connected with Jythralo in anyway.”

“Yes, that is what he said. Oh and you will do the negotiations Acacia. Come with us if you will but stay hidden.”

“Excellent, and of course a council member must not bee seen dealing with such riff raff.” she answered laughing.

“Of course. And we need to fetch another.”

Acacia nodded, “I will follow you when you give word for me to. Send a letter or message by Blaine perhaps. Do not make it too obvious that you seek to look for me.” Her glance fell upon Adgar and she sighed again. “I trust you will do well.” And with a nod to Jurex she went in the other direction towards her home.

[ November 01, 2003: Message edited by: Arien ]